Teens & Tanning: Safety Information for Parents

The use of tanning salons is a common practice among teenagers, especially females. In a national survey, 24% of non-Hispanic white teenagers 13 to 19 years of age used a tanning salon at least once.

The UVR radiation produced by some tanning units can be 10 to 15 times higher than the midday sun.

The tan that occurs represents a protective response to these harmful rays.

Skin damage occurs whether a tan comes from the sun itself or from artificial light from a tanning salon. Tanning salons are not safe and should not be used by teenagers or others.

Along with the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports legislation prohibiting access to tanning salons or use of artificial tanning devices by children under the age of 18.